A COWDENBEATH author is enjoying success with her Danny and the Furry Four series.

The first novel in Shirley Harkness’ series, Danny and the Furry Four: The Magical Power of Chat, dove into the subject of bullying, and her latest book, Uncle Albert You’re an Evil Genius, was released in November.

She said: “I was studying at the Open University and doing a module called 'The Science of the Mind' so I had an idea to combine my love of dogs and interest in human behaviour to write a book dealing with the subject of bullying. I have subsequently been lucky enough to have the next two books in the series published too.”

In book one, with the help of his talking dogs, Danny helps his classmate overcome bullying and tell the teacher what is going on. Danny and his furry friend’s story resumes in books two and three, with more adventures, from catching criminals to escaping monsters.

Shirley said: “I intend to keep writing and I have finished book four and if there is the demand I would love to keep going with the adventure stories as I am starting to get some good feedback that children are loving the talking dogs.

“I mean who doesn’t talk to their dogs and wishes they would answer back?!

“I also intend to write more grown-up books and I have started this process so watch this space!"

Shirley’s fourth book is due to be published early this year.